Riser extension and cover

ABSTRACT

An access device for a tank or other similar device or area to be accessed that is underground, includes a riser extension and an access cover. The riser extension is preferably slightly larger in diameter then the underground area to be accessed. The access cover fits around or in the riser extension and is recessed slightly below the ground level, allowing loam, grass and other ground material to be placed inside and on top of the access cover in the recessed area. When it is necessary to access the tank cover or other area to be accessed, lifting devices such as hooks or loops are utilized to remove the access cover, including any grass, loam, etc. located in the cover. When access to the desired area is complete, the access cover, including the grass and loam, is placed back over the riser extension.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to remote access housings and more particularly, to remote access housings having a riser and a cover.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Conventional drainage and septic systems, for example, typically include underground components that require periodic access for cleaning or servicing. Most notably, septic tanks are typically pumped out every few years or even, in some cases, annually or more frequently. Other components of septic systems such as distribution boxes also often require periodic servicing.

Typically, these components are located underground, buried from several inches to several feet. In order to gain access to such underground components, workers commonly use metal rods or the like to first locate the component and then must remove the dirt above the component. This process is labor-intensive, and often workers must remove dirt over a fairly wide area to locate the lid of the component, or an access opening in the lid.

Obviously, the conventional methods of locating and gaining access to underground drainage and septic components is time consuming, expensive, and often result in a large area of dirt and loam in a lawn. In addition, there has been a general trend by states and municipalities to require grade level access to underground components, so as to prevent such components from becoming “lost” which frequently occurs.

Attempts have been made to remedy the above problems by providing grade level access and a passageway between grade level and the underground component. Such attempts have often been make-shift assemblies roughly put together in the field. In one known example, clay tile or cement chimney flues have been positioned over a septic tank to provide a passageway between the septic tank and grade level. Such attempts have been less than successful in that ceramic chimney assemblies are expensive, heavy, and difficult to handle which leads to labor-intensive and expensive installation. Furthermore, the workers must still dig in the lawn, thus disturbing the grass and creating an eye sore.

Therefore, what is needed is a riser that can be easily located and removed. The riser should allow the user to quickly and easily remove the protective cover and any grass and loam at the same time without creating an eye sore or undue labor effort.

SUMMARY

The present invention features an access cover for an underground region. The access cover is preferably although not necessarily adapted to fit around the top portion of a riser extension and includes a base portion and a wall portion. The base portion of the access cover includes a perimeter, a sidewall and a top surface recessed slightly below the top surface of the ground when installed. The sidewall portion is positioned substantially along the perimeter of the base portion. Once installed, the top surface of the sidewall is substantially generally planar with ground while a portion of the ground extends over the protective cover such that the portion of the ground covering the access cover is removed along with the access cover when the access cover is removed. When it is necessary to access the underground area or object, a lifting support, preferably a hook or loop, is used to remove the access cover along with the portion of the ground that extends over the access cover in the recessed portion.

The present invention also features a riser for facilitating access to an object having an access portion positioned underground. The riser includes a riser extension and a protective cover. The riser extension is adapted to fit around the object and includes a top portion and a bottom portion proximate the access portion of the object.

The protective cover is adapted to fit around the top portion of the riser extension and includes a base portion and a wall portion. The base portion includes a perimeter and a top surface recessed slightly below the top surface of the ground. The wall portion is positioned substantially along the perimeter of the base portion. Once installed, the top surface of the wall portion is substantially generally planar with ground while a portion of the ground extends over the protective cover such that the portion of the ground covering the protective cover is removed along with the protective cover when the protective cover is removed.

When it is necessary to access the object, a lifting support, preferably a hook or loop, is used to remove the protective cover along with the portion of the ground that extends over the protective cover in the recessed portion.

In another embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the base portion of the protective cover is greater than the cross-sectional area of the top end of the upper portion of the riser extension. Furthermore, the wall portion of the protective cover is positioned along the perimeter of the base of the protective cover. The protective cover may also include a mounting device, such as a channel, protrusion, or rib to aid in positioning the protective cover onto the riser extension.

In yet another embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the riser extension is annularly flared such that the bottom portion of the riser extension is larger than the cross-sectional area of the upper portion of the riser extension.

It is important to note that the present invention is not intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated or implied objects or features of the invention. It is also important to note that the present invention is not limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the allowed claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention shown in combination with a septic tank;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention shown in combination with a septic tank;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the protective cover of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the protective cover of the present invention; and

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are schematic views of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A riser 10, FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention, allows a user to easily and quickly gain access to an object 12 positioned underground 14 without the need to dig and remove loam, grass, and other debris 32. The riser 10 includes a riser extension 16 and a protective cover 18. The riser 10 is preferably constructed from cement, plastic, or non-corrosive metal, but may be constructed out of any material and the choice of material is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, the object 12 is a cover of a septic tank 20, however, other objects 12 such as, but not limited to, wells, storage tanks (such as oil, gas, water and chemical tanks), pipe junctions, objects or areas that must be periodically accessed, and the like, are envisioned. For simplicity, the present invention will be described as it relates to a septic tank cover 12, but this is for exemplary purposes only. The exact dimensions of the riser 10 will depend upon the materials used, the circumstances of the installation, as well as any local, state, or federal guidelines or regulations, and is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art.

The riser extension 16, FIG. 1, is sized to fit around the cover 12 of an opening 12 such as found in a septic tank 20, and is preferably slightly larger in diameter then the cover 12 of the tank 20. The exact dimensions of the riser extension 16 will depend upon the nature of the cover 12, and may include tubular, square, or rectangular shapes, or combinations thereof, and are within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

The riser extension 16 includes a top portion 22 positioned beneath and close to the ground level 14 and a bottom portion 24 located near the septic tank cover 12. In one embodiment, the bottom portion 24, FIG. 2, is annularly flared such that the cross-sectional area A₁ of the bottom portion 24 is larger than the cross-sectional area A₂ of the top portion 22.

The protective cover 18 is sized to fit on or in the riser extension 16, and includes a base portion 26 and a wall portion 28. The protective cover 18 includes a central region 31 that is recessed below the ground level 14 allowing loam 32 and grass 33 to grow inside the recessed region 31 and on top of the protective cover 18.

When it is necessary to access the tank cover 12, a lifting support 30, preferably a hook or loop molded into or otherwise securely attached to the protective cover 18, is used to remove or lift the protective cover 18, grass 33, loam 32, and all. Access can then be had to the tank 20 by removing the tank's original cover 12.

When access to the tank 20 is complete, the tank cover 12 is replaced and the protective cover 18, including any grass 33 and loam 32, is placed over the riser extension 16. In this manner, there is no need to deal with loam 32, grass 33, sand, and other debris that must normally be handled and removed to gain access to the tank cover 12, and once the protective cover 18 is replaced, there is essentially no trace of the tank cover 12 having been accessed as no loam 32, grass 33, or earth 14 appears disturbed.

In a preferred embodiment, the area A₃, FIG. 3, of the base portion 26 is greater than the cross-sectional area A₂ of the top portion 22 of the riser extension 16 and facilitates the removal/installation of the protective cover 18 and access to the cover 12.

In yet another embodiment, the protective cover 18 may also include a mounting device 35 to help aid center or position the protective cover 18 onto the top portion 22 of the riser extension 16. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting device 35 includes at least one channel sized to fit around the top portion 22 of the riser extension 16. In another embodiment, the mounting device 35, FIG. 4, may include at least one protrusion or rib to facilitate alignment of the protective cover 18.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cover 50, FIG. 5 a, in accordance with the present invention is a molded one-piece plastic cover adapted to fit on top of a plastic molded riser 57, FIG. 5 b. In this embodiment, the cover 50 includes a bottom region 52 which is slightly wider than the top region 54 in which is adapted to fit on top of a plastic riser. The top region 54 includes an open central region 56 which houses a loam and grass to cover the opening of interest. The interior region 56 further includes a number of Cross braces 58 which serve to add structural stability to the cover. A number of holes 60 are provided in the top region 54 to help drain water from the cover to facilitate or promote the growth of grass or other plants.

As mentioned above, the present invention is not intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of and stated or implied objects or features of the invention and should not be limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the allowed claims and legal equivalents thereto. 

1. A riser for facilitating access to an object having an access region positioned underground, said riser comprising: a riser extension adapted to fit proximate said access region of said object, said riser extension comprising a top portion and a bottom portion proximate at least said access region of said object; and a protective cover adapted to fit proximate said top portion of said riser extension, said protective cover comprising: a base portion having a perimeter and a top surface recessed below a top surface of said ground, said top surface of said base portion of said protective cover for receiving ground material such that a portion of said ground material which is disposed in said recessed top surface of said protective cover is removed with said protective cover when said protective cover is removed; and a wall portion positioned substantially along said perimeter of said base portion of said protective cover, and attending upwardly toward said top surface of said ground.
 2. The riser as claimed in claim 1 wherein said protective cover further includes at least one lifting support.
 3. The riser as claimed in claim 2 wherein said lifting support includes at least one hook.
 4. The riser as claimed in claim 1 wherein a cross-sectional area of said base portion of said protective cover is greater than a cross-sectional area of a top end of said top portion of said riser extension, and wherein said wall portion of said protective cover is positioned along said perimeter of said base of said protective cover.
 5. The riser as claimed in claim 1 wherein said protective cover includes a mounting device to aid in positioning said protective cover relative to said riser extension.
 6. The riser as claimed in claim 5 wherein said mounting device includes at least one channel.
 7. The riser as claimed in claim 5 wherein said mounting device includes at least one protrusion.
 8. The riser as claimed in claim 5 wherein said mounting device includes at least one rib.
 9. The riser as claimed in claim 1 wherein a cross-sectional area of said bottom portion of said riser extension is larger than a cross-sectional area of said top portion of said riser extension.
 10. A riser for facilitating access to an object having an access portion positioned underground, said riser comprising: a riser extension adapted to fit proximate said access portion of said object, said riser extension comprising a top portion and a bottom portion proximate at least said access portion of said object; and a protective cover adapted to fit proximate said top portion of said riser extension, said protective cover comprising: a base portion having a perimeter and a top surface recessed below a top surface of said ground, said top surface of said base portion of said protective cover for receiving ground material such that a portion of said ground material which is disposed in said recessed top surface of said protective cover is removed with said protective cover when said protective cover is removed, wherein a cross-sectional area of said base portion of said protective cover is greater than a cross-sectional area of a top end of said top portion of said riser extension; and a wall portion positioned substantially along said perimeter of said base portion of said protective cover, and attending upwardly toward said top surface of said ground.
 11. The riser as claimed in claim 10 wherein said protective cover further includes at least one lifting support.
 12. The riser as claimed in claim 10 wherein said protective cover includes a mounting device to aid in positioning said protective cover relative to said riser extension.
 13. The riser as claimed in claim 12 wherein said mounting device includes at least one channel.
 14. The riser as claimed in claim 12 wherein said mounting device includes at least one protrusion.
 15. The riser as claimed in claim 12 wherein said mounting device includes at least one rib.
 16. The riser as claimed in claim 10 wherein a cross-sectional area of said bottom portion of said riser extension is larger than a cross-sectional area of said top portion of said riser extension.
 17. A riser for facilitating access to an object having an access portion positioned underground, said riser comprising: a riser extension adapted to fit proximate said access portion of said object, said riser extension comprising a top portion and a bottom portion proximate at least said access portion of said object, wherein a cross-sectional area of said bottom portion is larger than a cross-sectional area of said top portion; and a protective cover adapted to fit proximate said top portion of said riser extension, said protective cover comprising: a base portion having a perimeter and a top surface recessed below a top surface of said ground, said top surface of said base portion of said protective cover for receiving ground material such that a portion of said ground material which is disposed in said recessed top surface of said protective cover is removed with said protective cover when said protective cover is removed, wherein a cross-sectional area of said base portion of said protective cover is greater than a cross-sectional area of a top end of said top portion of said riser extension; and a wall portion positioned substantially along said perimeter of said base portion of said protective cover, and attending upwardly toward said top surface of said ground.
 18. The riser as claimed in claim 17 wherein said protective cover further includes at least one lifting support.
 19. The riser as claimed in claim 17 wherein said protective cover includes a mounting device to aid in positioning said protective cover relative to said riser extension.
 20. The riser as claimed in claim 19 wherein said mounting device includes at least one channel.
 21. The riser as claimed in claim 19 wherein said mounting device includes at least one protrusion.
 22. The riser as claimed in claim 19 wherein said mounting device includes at least one rib.
 23. An access cover for facilitating access to an object having an access region positioned underground, said access cover comprising: a base portion having a perimeter, a sidewall and a top surface recessed below a top surface of said ground, said sidewall positioned substantially along said perimeter of said base portion of said access cover, and extending upwardly, said top surface of said base portion of said protective cover adapted for receiving ground material such that said ground material which is disposed in said recessed top surface of said access cover is removed with said access cover when said access cover is removed. 